I have always been passionate about exercise, after all how could I have escaped being born into a family of martial artists.
At the age of 2 years old I had my very first white belt, and over the years went on to not only reach my black belt, but I am now a 5th Dahn Master. I also competed in the UK and European Championships winning four titles and came runner up World Champion in Houston, Texas in 1999.
Oh and I can’t forget to mention performing at David and Victoria Beckham’s World Cup Party in 2002! Check out the video below!
Before I fell pregnant I attended a regular Vinyasa Flow Yoga class twice a week and went for a run most days along with my ten minute ab workout! So I was very active.
Pregnancy changed that for me though, firstly I think I was scared to over do it and secondly I felt damn right awful when the morning sickness and lethargy kicked in. Plus, if I am honest it was a welcome break,
Six months on…
Now at the six month mark I am starting to feel a lot better and my energy levels are back. So I looked for a local pregnancy class to join. I was in luck as 15 minutes down the road in Loddon I found Unity Yoga held at The Library Annex in Loddon.
My first class…
After being out of the exercise game for a while I was a little nervous, I also hadn’t been in a room of pregnant women before – including Samantha the yoga teacher who is also pregnant, which was actually really nice as she can completely relate to us all!
To start off with we put ourselves in order of how many weeks pregnant we were and arranged our positions in a large circle.
We then sat down crossed legged and gave a brief introduction and let each other know how we were feeling. During this part others can give advice and support, which was just what I needed as I don’t know many people who are pregnant.
After this came a gentle warm up and a few more cardio based squats, it felt good, especially in those forgotten about glutes.
How is pregnancy yoga helpful?
From your physical body to your emotional state, prenatal yoga is a key ingredient to a healthy, happy pregnancy. For me especially I have suffered from anxiety so I joined as much for my mental health as well as my physical.
Benefits to you…
- Supports Your Changing Body
- Tones Important Muscle Groups
- Prepares for Labor and Delivery
- Promotes Connection With Your Baby
- Provides Relief From Common Pregnancy Complaints
- Gives You a Healthier Pregnancy
- Encourages You to Make Friends With Like-Minded Mamas
The verdict…
I was buzzing after my first class, I perhaps should have left more relaxed, but I was so happy to be in a place for just over an hour with likeminded mummies to be, having done a bit of exercise and doing something with my little bump.
With thanks to Samantha at Unity Yoga – you can read more about how to sign up for her classes (both normal or pregnancy) here > Unity Yoga Loddon view class times here [class times]
